Antennation and sexual performance of male digger waspsSphex ingensSmith (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

Abstract

Antennation can play several roles in hymenopteran copulation, mainly in wasps. The digger wasp Sphex ingens Smith has a very peculiar sexual behaviour, in which forced copulation is a striking element. However, communication through antennation during the pre-copulation and copulation phases and the relationship between the sexual performance of males and the final result of copulation require further clarification. The sexual behaviour of wild populations of S. ingens was filmed during the breeding season in a site between the beaches Meros and Aventureiro, Ilha Grande, southeastern Brazil. We assessed antennation behaviour, courtship duration, sexual performance, and genital clasping. Only successful males had the genital clasping assessed. Evidence found so far points out that the successful males showed better sexual performancethat is, they antennated more in a shorter courtship duration. Also, genital clasping in successful males did not depend on antennation, courtship duration, or sexual performance. Our results shed light on some aspects of the sexual behaviour of wasps, as they explain part of the sexual selection mechanisms adopted by the species.

Courtship, Mating Behavior, and Ovary Histology of the Nymph Parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

“…The male P. bliteus started courtship after recognizing the female with antennal tapping on female antennae and/or thorax–abdomen, a behavior crucial for Encyrtidae parasitoids, such as Leptomastidea abnormis Girault and Anagyrus pseudococci Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) ( Romano et al 2016 , 2018 ). Courtship behavior can stimulate female receptivity, as suggested for Ibalia japonica Matsumura (Hymenoptera: Ibaliidae) and Sphex ingens Smith (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae), reducing courtship period and increasing reproductive success ( Souza et al 2015 , 2016 ; Kuramitsu et al 2019 ). The behavior of P. bliteus males intertwining females with antennae did not guarantee mating, but the females of the parasitoid Cephalonomia tarsalis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) allowed mating after similar courtship behavior ( Cheng et al 2004 ).…”

“…Cotesia urabae Austin & Allen (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) males try to interrupt mating by pulling the successful male away from the female ( Avila et al 2016 ). The mating failure by S. ingens male manipulated the female exposure time and reduced the opportunity for other competing males ( Souza et al 2016 ).…”